TLDR Review: Krylon Kamar Varnish Spray
Verdict
Before you commit to this finicky spray varnish, consider how badly you need a 'matte' finish that's actually gloss. If you're working with alcohol inks, it's a match made in heaven, but acrylic painters should steer clear unless they enjoy the peel.
- Top pro:
- Easy to use and dries quickly, approximately within 3 hours, making it perfect for last-minute art project panics.
- Top con:
- Not effective over acrylic paint; tends to peel off like a bad sunburn.
Score
The 11 oz Krylon 1312 Kamar Varnish Clear Acrylic Varnish achieves a moderate score largely due to its effective sealing properties for various art mediums, particularly for alcohol inks, which many users praise. However, significant concerns arise regarding its strong odor, inconsistencies in the claimed matte finish, and issues with spray nozzle malfunction, leading to a mixed reception from customers. Overall, it offers good value for those needing a reliable varnish but may require caution due to its strong scent and performance discrepancies.
Pros
- •Easy to use and dries quickly, approximately within 3 hours, making it perfect for last-minute art project panics.
- •Perfect for sealing alcohol inks on wood, acting like a protective guardian angel for your DIY coaster projects.
- •After 24 hours since application, the varnish no longer smells, sparing your nose from any more assault.
- •Excellent for use with alcohol inks, not disturbing the ink when applied, because nobody likes a smudger.
- •Suitable for coating surfaces like coasters without damage, because we all want our drinks to rest easy.
- •Requires three light coats for optimal application, ensuring that your project gets the TLC it deserves.
Cons
- •Not effective over acrylic paint; tends to peel off like a bad sunburn.
- •The 'matte' option lies about its identity, offering only gloss, like a party guest who overstayed their welcome.
- •Different application methods don't affect the finish, making it as stubborn as a cat on a comfy chair.
- •Accused of falsely advertising its finish, earning it notoriety in the art world.
- •Will not be recommended for repurchase, so it's like that one-hit-wonder you never want to hear again.
- •Leaves a slightly pebbly texture, which may not be everyone's cup of tea, unless you like your projects to have a case of the goosebumps.
- •Purchased two units, but only one functions properly, making it as reliable as a weather forecast.
Product Score
Calculated by ShopSavvy from the professional reviews and customer ratings we collected for this product.
Why this score?
The 11 oz Krylon 1312 Kamar Varnish Clear Acrylic Varnish achieves a moderate score largely due to its effective sealing properties for various art mediums, particularly for alcohol inks, which many users praise. However, significant concerns arise regarding its strong odor, inconsistencies in the claimed matte finish, and issues with spray nozzle malfunction, leading to a mixed reception from customers. Overall, it offers good value for those needing a reliable varnish but may require caution due to its strong scent and performance discrepancies.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 1 retailer in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Oct 8, 2026.
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